NiMet Predicts Drought, Less Rainfall In 2016

Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet)

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicated drought, caused by less rainfall in major parts of the country in the year, 2016.


Also, the agency predicted dry season in Abuja and other fringes of the North in June, even as it noted that there will be hot temperatures in January, February, March and April, which would lead to more mosquito bites and possible malaria.

The agency, which gave the prediction yesterday at its yearly Seasonal Rainfall Prediction (SRP), noted that the key message for the year is that most part of Nigeria are likely to experience delayed onset, early cessation, less-than-normal rainfall amounts as well as dry spells.

Speaking at the function, the director general of NiMet, Dr Anthony Anuforom said that these predictions are risk factors for farmers in the affected areas and must be carefully managed.

He however, noted that the expected lower-than-normal rainfall in parts of the country, does not rule out the possibility of isolated flash floods due to high intensity rainfall at the peak of the season, especially in places that are naturally prone to flooding.

The NiMet boss further called for collaborations among the MDAs and across disciplinary boundaries, noting that the ministry of agriculture and rural development should work closely with NiMet to include relevant agrometeorological information as part of its agric extension package.